With issues related to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, evolving and changing sometimes by the day, or even hour, it’s still not known whether it can be stopped, but medical personnel across the world do agree on certain measures that people can take to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.
The name “COVID-19” comes from CO (corona), VI (virus), D (disease) and 19 (2019).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 spreads person-to-person, with close contact of 6 feet or less. It is spread through respiratory droplets when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes and the droplets land in the mouth or nose of another and are inhaled into their lungs. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface or object that has been infected. After touching an infected object, if a person then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, they too can become infected.
People are most contagious when they are symptomatic, but it is possible they can be contagious before they show any symptoms, according to the CDC. How easily it spreads seems to vary, and people who are infected can have symptoms that range from mild — like the common cold — to severe — like pneumonia and even death.
According to the CDC, symptoms, such as fever, coughing and shortness of breath, appear within two to 14 days after exposure. Medical experts don’t expect a vaccine for at least another year.
■Stay home, except when needing medical care.
■Separate yourself from others in the home, including animals.
■Call ahead before going to the doctor.
■Wear a face mask.
■Cover coughs and sneezes by using your elbow.
■Clean your hands often.
■Don’t share household items, including bathrooms, if possible.
■Monitor your symptoms.
■Remain home until the risk is over.
For more information or to find suggestions for home, school, work, church, events, visits to health care professionals and hospitals, visit: bit.ly/2VK2xTF.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.